25 JULY 1998, Page 26

Lobby division

Sir: Derek Draper states (Diary, 18 July), 'Done competently and ethically, lobbying is an aid to democracy.' As the lobbyist's services are generally only available to those willing and able to pay for them, per- haps you will give him space to justify that statement. At the same time he can explain the ethics of lobbying.

P.D. Bogle

The Pound, Ho!cot Road, Walgrave, Northampton